How do I get emergency housing in Maryland?

211 Maryland Is A Housing Resource

211 is a one-stop housing resource whether you’re looking for affordable housing, facing eviction, need emergency housing or need help paying your mortgage to avoid foreclosure.

Table of Contents Show

211 Maryland Is A Housing Resource
Rent Assistance
Find Affordable Housing
Related Information
Find Resources
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program
Prioritization
Referral Process
How to get emergency housing in MD?
How do I apply for emergency Section 8 in Maryland?
Does Maryland have rapid rehousing?
What happens in emergency housing?

Additionally, if you are facing homelessness, we have information on emergency shelters for individuals and families as well as listings of transitional housing programs.

Dial 2-1-1 to speak to a caring specialist who can connect you to housing resources and support your other essential needs.

Rent Assistance

Are you looking to get help paying rent? Or, do you need financial support so you can pay a security deposit on a new rental unit? Local organizations may be able to provide some financial assistance.

You can find rental assistance near you by searching the 211 database by ZIP code. These are quick links to commonly searched terms:

Rental Payment Assistance
Rental Security Deposit Assistance

You can also dial 2-1-1 to speak to an Information and Referral Specialist who can connect you to local programs that help with rent.

Find Affordable Housing

Are you looking for an affordable rental? Search a statewide database of rental listings on Maryland Housing Search.

You can also find low-income and subsidized rental housing in the 211 database:

Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing

211 Information and Referral specialists are also available 24/7/365 to help you locate housing.

Find Resources

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded 278 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EVHs) to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) to administer to the City's most vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The vouchers are specifically targeted to assist individuals and families in four eligibility categories:

1) homeless;

2) at risk of homelessness;

3) fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking;

4) recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability.

Prioritization

HABC and Baltimore's Continuum of Care (CoC) worked together to evaluate the current needs of Baltimore's homeless community and develop an equitable system to distribute vouchers. Based on current need, Baltimore's EHVs will be prioritized for the following individuals and families who also fall within one of the four eligibility categories listed above:

Youth (18-24)
Rapid rehousing of households whose subsidy ends before August 2022
Households that are victims of domestic violence
Families with children experiencing homelessness as defined by HUD
Individuals experiencing homelessness in the shelter and street settings (adults only)

Each priority population will be provided with a capped preference for the EHVs.

Referral Process

Initial referrals for EHVs will be made to HABC by August 15, 2021, and the goal is to incrementally have all 278 vouchers issued by December 31, 2021. To determine eligibility for EHVs and other City-funded housing programs, potential clients need to complete a Coordinated Access packet.

If you would like to complete a Coordinated Access packet to determine eligibility for City-funded housing programs, please contact one of the Coordinated Access Navigator Sites listed below. PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, some navigator sites are not taking in-person/walk-in appointments and instead, offer virtual or phone appointments. Please call the navigator site for more details on appointment options for Coordinated Access.

Coordinated Access Navigator Sites

Paul’s Place

1118 Ward St.

410-625-0775

New Vision House of Hope, Inc – Veterans ONLY

200 E. Lexington St. #605

410-466-8558

Health Care for the Homeless

421 Fallsway

410-837-5533

For My Kidz Inc.

424 S. Pulaski St. & 2036 W. North Ave.

443-841-9177

The Baltimore Station – Veterans ONLY

140 W. West St. & 1611 Baker St.

410-752-4454

Weinberg Housing and Resource Center

620 Fallsway

443-478-3777

People Encouraging People

4201 Primrose Ave.

410-764-8560

Beans and Bread

402 S. Bond St.

410-732-1892

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Housing Voucher FAQs

HUD References

HUD EHV Overview

How to get emergency housing in MD?

To find an emergency shelter, call 2-1-1. Or, find local resources based on housing need: Emergency Shelters. Domestic Violence Shelters.

How do I apply for emergency Section 8 in Maryland?

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) To apply for either type of help, visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Questions? Email or call our Public and Indian Housing Information Resource Center toll-free at (800) 955-2232.

Does Maryland have rapid rehousing?

Program Description The goal of the program is to help people quickly obtain housing, increase income, and support self-sufficiency to stay housed. Rapid re-housing is offered without any preconditions, such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety.

What happens in emergency housing?

If you have nowhere to stay tonight or in the next 7 days, we may be able to pay for you to stay in emergency housing. When you apply, we'll ask you about other housing options you might have, including: staying with family or friends. accommodation options you can afford.